JP6232192B2 - Charge / discharge inspection system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a charge / discharge inspection apparatus for inspecting a secondary battery, and more particularly to a calibration technique thereof.

  Secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged, such as lithium ion batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries, are widely used. Prior to shipping, the secondary battery is inspected to function normally using a charge / discharge inspection apparatus (Patent Document 1). In order to accurately inspect the quality of the secondary battery, it is necessary to periodically calibrate the charging inspection device itself.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams showing a charge / discharge inspection system investigated by the present inventors. This charge / discharge inspection system should not be recognized as a known technique. FIG. 1A shows a configuration in the inspection process, and FIG. 1B shows a configuration in the calibration process.
The inspection process will be described with reference to FIG. In order to inspect a large number of secondary batteries 1 at the same time, the charging / discharging inspection device 4r is composed of multiple channels, and by charging or discharging the secondary batteries 1_1 to 1_N of each of a plurality of N channels CH1 to CHN. Then, it is inspected whether the electrical characteristics of each secondary battery 1 satisfy the specifications. The N secondary batteries 1 are mounted on the battery tray 8 and conveyed.

The charge / discharge inspection apparatus 4r includes a probe pair 10 _{P / N} , a power supply 12, and a current sensor 14 for each channel CH. Each channel is similarly configured.

In each channel, the probe pair 10 _{P / N} can be brought into contact with and separated from the electrode of the secondary battery 1. The power supply 12 supplies power to the secondary battery 1 attached to the probe pair 10 _{P / N} to charge / discharge the secondary battery 1. The current sensor 14 detects a current that is sourced or sinked from the power supply 12.

  The power source 12 of each channel feedback-controls the charge / discharge current supplied to the secondary battery 1 so that the amount of current detected by the current sensor 14 approaches a predetermined target value in the inspection process.

  The calibration process will be described with reference to FIG. In the calibration process, a calibration device 6r is attached to the charge / discharge inspection device 4r instead of the plurality of secondary batteries 1. The calibration device 6r includes a standard resistor 30, a measuring instrument 32, and a selector 34.

The selector 34 connects the standard resistor 30 to the probe pair 10 _{P / N} of the calibration target channel. FIG. 1B shows a state where the second channel is a calibration target. In this state, the calibration current generated by the power supply 12_2 of the second channel flows through the standard resistor 30 and the current sensor 14_2. The measuring instrument 32 measures the voltage across the standard resistor 30 and measures the true value of the calibration current generated by the power supply 12_2. Based on the true current value and the amount of current measured by the current sensor 14_2, the second channel of the charge / discharge inspection apparatus 4r is calibrated.

JP 2003-219565 A JP 2012-083263 A JP 2001-333543 A

  Since the standard resistor 30 and the measuring instrument 32 are expensive, the standard resistor 30 is shared by a plurality of channels as shown in FIG. Therefore, the charge / discharge inspection apparatus 4r cannot calibrate all the channels at the same time, and it is necessary to switch a plurality of channels one by one in order.

  FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the charge / discharge inspection system 2r of FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). FIG. 2 shows how the first channel and the second channel are sequentially calibrated. For example, the charge / discharge inspection system 2r calculates a calibration parameter by switching the calibration current between two values for each channel.

  First, with the selection of the first channel CH1, the selector 34 turns on the relay corresponding to the first channel (period T1). Subsequently, the power supply 12_1 increases the calibration current to the first current amount Ic1 (T2). Subsequently, the calibration current is measured by the measuring instrument 32 and the current sensor 14_1 (T3). Subsequently, the power supply 12_1 switches the calibration current to the second current amount Ic2 (T4). Subsequently, the calibration current is measured by the measuring instrument 32 and the current sensor 14_1 (T5). Subsequently, the power supply 12_1 switches the calibration current to zero (T6). Thereafter, the process proceeds to calibration of the second channel CH2, and the same steps T1 to T6 as the first channel CH1 are repeated. After that, the third channel CH3, the fourth channel CH4,.

In the charge / discharge inspection system 2r shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it is necessary to calibrate each channel in order. Specifically, each time a channel is switched, a relay switching time, a calibration current rising time, and a calibration current falling time are generated, and it is necessary to wait for them. In the sequence of FIG. 2, the total calibration time Tc is
Tc = N × (T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5 + T6)
It becomes. From the viewpoint of improving productivity, it is desirable that the time required for the calibration is as short as possible even if the calibration is performed once a year.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and one of exemplary purposes of an embodiment thereof is to provide a charge / discharge inspection system that can be calibrated in a short time.

  One embodiment of the present invention relates to a charge / discharge inspection system. The charge / discharge inspection system includes a multi-channel charge / discharge inspection apparatus that charges / discharges a plurality of N (N is an integer of 2 or more) secondary batteries, and a calibration apparatus that calibrates the charge / discharge inspection apparatus. The charge / discharge inspection apparatus is provided for each channel, each of which is provided with N probe pairs that can be contacted / separated with respect to the electrode of the corresponding secondary battery, and for each channel. N power sources for supplying power to the corresponding secondary battery via each channel, and each channel is provided on a path of current sourced or sinked from the corresponding power source, and the amount of current flowing through the path And N current sensors for generating a current detection value indicating. The calibration device includes a standard resistor and N terminal pairs that are provided for each channel and that can be connected to and separated from the corresponding probe pairs. In the calibration process, the charge / discharge inspection system is a power source of one master channel selected from the M channels when M (an integer satisfying 1 ≦ M ≦ N) of N channels is targeted for calibration. A calibration path via a standard resistor and an M-channel current sensor can be formed between the output terminal pairs.

  According to this aspect, a plurality of M channels of current sensors and standard resistors are connected in series on the same current path, and a calibration current is supplied to the current path from the power source of the master channel. The channel current sensors can be calibrated at the same time, and the calibration time can be greatly reduced as compared to the case of calibrating a plurality of channels sequentially.

  In an aspect, N probe pairs and N current sensors may be mounted on a probe unit independent of N power sources. The probe unit may be provided for each channel, and each of the probe units may include N connector pairs that can be connected to and separated from the corresponding output terminal pair of the power supply via wiring. In the calibration process, the N power sources may be disconnected from the N connector pairs of the probe unit. In the calibration process, a plurality of connector pairs of the probe unit may be connected by a plurality of first wirings for connection, and a plurality of terminal pairs of the calibration device may be connected by a plurality of second wirings for connection.

  N probe pairs and N current sensors may be mounted on a probe unit independent of N power sources. The probe unit is provided for each channel. Each of the probe units includes N connector pairs that can be connected to and separated from the corresponding output terminal pair of the power supply via wiring, and (N-1) bypass switches. You may prepare. The i-th bypass switch is disposed between one of the i-th connector pair and the other of the (i + 1) -th connector pair.

  Note that any combination of the above-described constituent elements and the constituent elements and expressions of the present invention replaced with each other among methods, apparatuses, systems, and the like are also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to the charge / discharge inspection system of an aspect of the present invention, the calibration time can be shortened.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams showing a charge / discharge inspection system investigated by the present inventors. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of the charging / discharging test | inspection system of Fig.1 (a), (b). It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the charging / discharging test | inspection system which concerns on embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the calibration process of the charging / discharging test | inspection system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the charging / discharging test | inspection system which concerns on the modification 1. It is a figure which shows the charging / discharging test | inspection system which concerns on the modification 2.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the charge / discharge inspection system 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the state of the charge / discharge inspection system 2 in the calibration process.

  First, the inspection process will be described. In the inspection process, similarly to FIG. 1A, a plurality of N secondary batteries 1 </ b> _ <b> 1 to 1 </ b> _N mounted on the battery tray 8 are connected to the charge / discharge inspection device 4 instead of the calibration device 6. In order to inspect a large number of secondary batteries 1 at the same time, the charge / discharge test apparatus 4 is configured with multiple channels, and by charging or discharging the secondary batteries 1_1 to 1_N of each of a plurality of N channels CH1 to CHN. Then, it is inspected whether the electrical characteristics of each secondary battery 1 satisfy the specifications. Examples of the secondary battery 1 include, but are not limited to, a lithium ion battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, and a nickel cadmium battery.

The charge / discharge inspection apparatus 4 includes probe pairs 10 _{P / N} , power supplies 12_1 to 12_N, and current sensors 14_1 to 14_N provided for the channels CH1 to CHN. Each channel is similarly configured.

The probe pair 10 _{P / N} of each channel CHi (1 ≦ i ≦ N) can be brought into contact with and separated from the electrode of the secondary battery 1 — i in the inspection process.

The power source 12_i of each channel CHi supplies power to the corresponding secondary battery 1_i attached to the probe pair 10 _{P / N,} and charges / discharges the corresponding secondary battery 1_i. The current sensor 14_i of each channel CHi is provided on a current path that is sourced or sinked from the corresponding power supply 12_i, and detects the amount of current flowing through the path. The power source 12_i of each channel CHi feedback-controls the charge / discharge current supplied to the secondary battery 1_i so that the amount of current detected by the current sensor 14_i approaches a predetermined target value in the inspection process.

The probe pairs 10 _{P / N} and the current sensors 14_1 to 14_N of the N channels CH1 to CHN are mounted on the probe unit 16 independent of the N power supplies 12_1 to 12_N.
The probe unit 16 is provided for each channel, and each of the N connector pairs 18 _P that can be connected to and separated from the output terminal pair (+ terminal, −terminal) of the corresponding power source 12_1 to 12_N via wiring. _{/ N.} Inside the probe unit 16, the connector 18 _P and the probe 10 _P are connected for each channel, and the connector 18 _N and the probe 10 _N are connected via the current sensor 14. The current sensor 14 may be provided on the wiring on the P pole side.

The above is the configuration of the charge / discharge inspection apparatus 4. Next, the configuration of the calibration device 6 will be described. The calibration device 6 includes a standard resistor 30, a measuring instrument 32, and N terminal pairs 36P _{/ N.} The terminal pair 36 _{P / N} is provided for each channel. The terminal pair 36 _{P / N} of each channel can be connected to and separated from the probe pair 10 _{P / N} of the corresponding channel. The measuring device 32 is a digital multimeter, for example, and detects the amount of calibration current flowing through the standard resistor 30 by measuring the voltage drop of the standard resistor 30. The above is the configuration of the calibration device 6.

Next, the configuration of the calibration process of the charge / discharge inspection system 2 will be described.
In the calibration process, out of N channels, M (an integer satisfying 1 ≦ M ≦ N) are subjected to simultaneous calibration. In the present embodiment, N = M, that is, all channels are subjected to simultaneous calibration.

  In the calibration process, the power supplies 12_1 to 12_N are disconnected from the probe unit 16. One of the M channels is set as a master channel. In the present embodiment, the first channel CH1 is set as the master channel. In FIG. 3, the power supplies 12 other than the master channel are indicated by broken lines.

  In the calibration process, the charge / discharge inspection system 2 passes the standard resistor 30 and the M channel current sensors 14_1 to 14_N between the output terminal pair (+ terminal, −terminal) of the power source 12_1 of the master channel CH1. A calibration path can be formed.

More specifically, in the calibration process, a plurality of connector pairs 18 _{P / N} of the probe unit 16 are connected by a plurality of first wirings L1 for connection, and a plurality of terminal pairs 36 _{P / N} of the calibration device 6 are connected. A calibration path (calibration loop) is formed by connecting the plurality of second wirings L2 for connection.

  Next, the operation of the calibration process of the charge / discharge inspection system 2 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a calibration process of the charge / discharge inspection system 2 of FIG. First, a plurality of first wirings L1 and a plurality of second wirings L2 are connected so as to form the calibration path shown in FIG. 3 (period T1). On the calibration path, the standard resistor 30 and the current sensors 14 of all M channels to be calibrated are arranged in series.

  In this state, the power source 12_1 of the master channel increases the calibration current supplied to the calibration path (period T2), and then outputs the calibration current of the first amount Ic1 for a certain period (period T3). In the period T3, the amount of calibration current is measured by the measuring instrument 32 and the current sensors 14_1 to 14_N of all channels. Subsequently, the power supply 12_1 increases the calibration current (T4), and then outputs the calibration current of the second amount Ic2 for a certain period (period T5). In the period T5, the amount of calibration current is measured by the measuring instrument 32 and the current sensors 14_1 to 14_N of all channels. Finally, the power supply 12_1 sets the calibration current to zero (T6).

  The above is the calibration process by the charge / discharge inspection system 2. According to the charge / discharge inspection system 2 of FIG. 3, all the M channels can be calibrated simultaneously by one calibration sequence shown in FIG. Since the calibration time Tc at this time is Tc = (T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5 + T6), if the overhead is ignored, the calibration time Tc can be shortened to 1 / M times that of FIG.

  In the sequence shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the calibration time per channel (T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5 + T6) is 1 minute. In this case, when the M = 16 channel is tested by the charge / discharge inspection system 2r of FIG. 1B, it takes about 20 minutes including the overhead. On the other hand, according to the charge / discharge inspection system 2 of FIG. 3, even if overhead is taken into consideration, it can be shortened to about 2 minutes.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective constituent elements and processing processes, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. is there. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(Modification 1)
In the charge / discharge inspection system 2 of FIG. 3, the user of the charge / discharge inspection system 2 needs to connect the first wiring L1 manually. In the first modification, a technique capable of shortening the labor for connecting the first wiring L1 and the second wiring L2 is provided. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a charge / discharge inspection system 2a according to the first modification. The probe unit 16 includes a plurality of (N−1) bypass switches SW1 instead of the first wiring L1. i-th bypass switch SW1 is arranged between the i-th one 18 of the connector pair _{18 P / N P} and (i + 1) -th connector pair _{18 P / N} of the other 18 _N. By providing the bypass switch SW1, it is possible to automate the connection of the first wiring L1 and save the trouble.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a charge / discharge inspection system 2b according to the second modification. The charge / discharge inspection system 2b can simultaneously measure L trays, that is, (L × N) secondary batteries 1. A unit including N channels is called a slot. The charge / discharge inspection system 2 b includes L × N power supplies 12, L probe units 16, and L calibration devices 6. FIG. 6 shows a case where L = 2.
In this modification, the calibration device 6_1 in the first slot is calibrated in the same manner as that in FIG. On the other hand, the standard resistor 30 and the measuring instrument 32 are omitted from the other slot calibration devices 6_2, and the terminal pair 36P _{/ N} is fixedly connected by the third wiring L3 inside thereof. According to this modification, L slots can be calibrated simultaneously.

(Modification 3)
A selector 34 may be provided in the charge / discharge inspection system 2 of FIG. 3 or FIG. 5 in the same manner as the calibration device 6r of FIG.
In the embodiment, the case where all the channels are simultaneously calibrated with respect to the N channel charge / discharge test apparatus 4 has been described. However, according to this modification, any M of the N channels can be calibrated. Can be calibrated at the same time. For example, it is possible to divide all the channels into two, first calibrate half of the M (= N / 2) channels at the same time, and then calibrate the remaining channels at the same time.

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes are possible, various modifications are possible, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. By the way.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Secondary battery, 2 ... Charge / discharge inspection system, 4 ... Charge / discharge inspection apparatus, 6 ... Calibration apparatus, 8 ... Battery tray, 10 ... Probe pair, 12 ... Power supply, 14 ... Current sensor, 16 ... Probe unit, 18 ... Connector pair, 30 ... Standard resistor, 32 ... Measuring instrument, 34 ... Selector, 36 ... Terminal pair, L1 ... First wiring, L2 ... Second wiring, L3 ... Third wiring.

Claims (3)

In the inspection process, a multi-channel charge / discharge inspection device for charging / discharging a plurality of N (N is an integer of 2 or more) secondary batteries mounted on the tray, and the tray in the calibration process for calibrating the charge / discharge inspection device. A charge / discharge inspection system having a calibration device installed instead of
The calibration device is
A standard resistor;
N terminal pairs provided for each channel;
With
The charge / discharge inspection apparatus comprises:
A N number of probe pairs et al is provided for each channel, in (i) the inspection process, respectively, are movable toward and away from the electrode of the corresponding secondary battery is mounted on said tray, (ii ) In the calibration process, N probe pairs, each of which is connectable to and away from a corresponding terminal pair of the calibration device ;
N power sources provided for each channel, each supplying power to the corresponding secondary battery via the corresponding probe pair in the inspection process ;
N current sensors provided for each channel, each of which is provided on a current path that is sourced or sinked via the corresponding probe pair, and that generates a current detection value indicating the amount of current flowing through the path; ,
With
The discharge inspection system, in the calibration process, among the N channels, when a calibrated M number (an integer satisfying 2 ≦ M ≦ N), the said N probe pairs of the calibration device The standard resistor and the current sensor of the M channels can be connected in series between the output terminal pair of the power source of one master channel selected from the M channels while being in contact with the N terminal pairs. A charge / discharge inspection system comprising: The N probe pairs and the N current sensors are mounted on a probe unit independent of the N power sources,
The probe unit is provided for each channel, and each of the probe units includes N connector pairs that can be connected to and separated from the corresponding output terminal pairs of the power supply via wiring,
In the calibration process, (N−1) power supplies excluding the master channel among the N power supplies are disconnected from the N connector pairs of the probe unit. The plurality of connector pairs of the probe unit are connected by a plurality of first wirings for connection, and the plurality of terminal pairs of the calibration device are connected by a plurality of second wirings for connection. Item 2. The charge / discharge inspection system according to Item 1. The N probe pairs and the N current sensors are mounted on a probe unit independent of the N power sources,
The probe unit is provided for each channel, and each of the N connector pairs can be connected to and separated from the corresponding output terminal pair of the power supply via a wire,
(N-1) bypass switches, wherein the i-th bypass switch is arranged between one of the i-th connector pair and the other of the (i + 1) -th connector pair; ,
The charge / discharge inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising:

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